Sagan a cycling star on the rise

Sitting in the lobby of the Doubletree Golf Resort in Rancho Penasquitos, Peter Sagan displays the tell-tale signs of a world-class cyclist.

The jersey tan lines, the European accent, the sinewy physique.

But to Cannondale team manager Christophe Dehaemers -- and the riders Sagan grinds into the pavement -- it’s what rests between the ears and beneath the jersey that make the 23-year-old Slovakian one of the world’s best young riders.

“At the end of the day, some guys are just good on the bike,” said Dehaemers. “It’s their job. This is not a job for Peter. He loves what he does.

“He wants to win every race.”

Some 16 teams and 128 cyclists will push off at the intersection of Broadway and Grand in Escondido at 11:15 a.m. Sunday for the eight-stage Amgen Tour of California.

Sunday’s ride will cover 102.6 miles, touring the rural inland North County, and Sagan is arguably the cyclist with the greatest expectations.

He won a record five stages in last year’s Tour of California. His eight career stage wins in the event are a record. At last year’s Tour de France, Sagan racked up three stage victories on his way to winning the top sprinter’s green jersey.

“I like riding for the victory,” said Sagan.

For the other 127 riders in the Tour of California field, here’s the scary part – Sagan is only getting better. He seems destined to be a lead rider in one of the grand tours, the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia or Vuelta a Espana.

A year ago, Sagan won three stages in the European winter and spring races that kick off a season. His resume thus far in 2013: one-day classics and semi-classics wins, both in Belgium, plus six stage victories.

Asked what makes Sagan so good, Jens Voigt, 41, who has won stages at the Tour de France and the Giro, said: “It’s his devil-may-care attitude. ‘Of course I’m going to win. I’m Peter Sagan. I’m never going to be beaten.’

Added Timmy Duggan, who rode alongside Sagan for two years with Cannondale: “His secret lies between his ears.”

Dehaemers, the Cannondale team manager, noted that Sagan “really wants to be a showman.”

In a sport sorely lacking for more attention on deeds than doping, Sagan is refreshing. He celebrated his second stage win last year at the Tour de France by pumping his arms in a running motion, dubbing it his Forrest Gump celebration. Another time he struck an Incredible Hunk pose.

Owing to his days as a junior world champion mountain biker, Sagan sometimes pops wheelies when crossing the finish line.

Asked if he plans the stunts, Sagan said, “Maybe I have one celebration in my head, but I never (share it) with another person.”

Last month, Sagan’s frivolity crossed a line. After finishing second at the Ronde of Flanders in Belgium, he pinched a podium flower girl on the posterior.

Sagan apologized in a video, saying, “I promise to act more respectfully,” then later gave a bouquet of flowers to the woman.

Mentioning areas where Sagan must show progress (avoiding pressure, knowing how to rest and understanding tactics), Dehaemers said, “He still has things to learn.”